Previous Offices Held
MSAD 59 board of directors: 2000-2006. Madison Select Board: 2011-2020 (I ran in 2009 or 2010 and lost). State representative: 2020-present.
Top Three Priorities
1. Affordability – Property tax reduction by reducing state mandates on municipalities, and reducing state spending 2. Health Care – Improve access and affordability in rural areas of Maine 3. Lower energy costs
Why are you running?
I have worked hard all my life. I have been blessed with a wonderful life, family and friends. I’m running because at the current rate of growth, particularly in state government, many, including myself, may not be able to continue to live in Maine. Maine is “the way life should be…” but those of us who live here must be able to afford it.
What is one way Maine is on the right track? What is one way the state is on the wrong track?
Maine has done a good job expanding broadband internet access. Maine is on the wrong track with one-third of people on MaineCare; 40% of the eligible workforce not working; the highest energy costs in the U.S. in one of the poorest states, while spending millions on unaffordable renewable energy goals; one party running government for the last eight years; burdening contractors and then complaining when they don’t build enough houses; and a state budget that grew more than 65% in the last eight years.
As one of several dozen legislators in your chamber, how would you make a measurable difference for your constituents?
I currently serve as ranking Republican on the Joint Standing Committee for Appropriations and Financial Affairs. I can sponsor bills and rant about spending, but, until there is more balance in the party makeup of the Legislature, it will be just so much hot air. The key committees are made up of eight members of the majority and five members of the minority. They control everything. We must change that at least in one chamber, House or Senate.
Surveys show the economy is the top concern of voters. What is a specific proposal addressing Maine voters’ economic anxieties that you’d work to make law?
Institute zero-based budgeting for state government. Eliminate net energy billing/solar subsidies for commercial solar installations. Reduce state mandates on municipalities that drive up local property taxes. Institute managed care for the MaineCare expansion population that is single, childless and able-bodied. Develop a roadmap to self sufficiency for those who should be providing for themselves. Reduce unnecessary regulations on home builders that drive up costs for affordable housing.